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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Ellis from Baltimore, MD is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Ellis is requesting

Representation Now and Forever

Help me give my students puzzles and comics that will serve as mirrors for our student population so they can see themselves reflected in what they create and read.

  • $434 goal

This project expired on September 22, 2025.

This project expired on September 22, 2025.

My Project

Including diverse representation puzzles, Black comics, Black history figure posters, emotion plush toys, and diverse bulletin board cutouts in my classroom plays a powerful role in helping students understand racial injustice and the importance of representation. These resources are not just decorations, but they are mirrors and windows: mirrors that reflect students' own identities and experiences, and windows that allow them to learn about others in meaningful, respectful ways.

By interacting with puzzles and comics that feature diverse characters, students begin to see that joy comes in all shades, creativity, and history matter and that representation is a vital part of our shared story.

Posters of Black historical figures reinforce that Black excellence and leadership are not limited to one month a year, but part of everyday learning and inspiration. Emotion plush toys provide a safe way for all students, especially those navigating racial or cultural stress. This will allow students to express how they feel, building emotional literacy and empathy in the process.

Together, these materials foster a more inclusive learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to ask big questions about justice, equity, and history. When students are surrounded by positive, diverse images and stories, they come to understand that challenging racial injustice starts with seeing and valuing every voice. Representation in the classroom is not optional, it is foundational to building a community rooted in respect, awareness, and social change.

Mrs. Ellis Vanguard Collegiate Middle School 374 Grades 6-8

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Baltimore, MD View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

HBCU Alum 300 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mrs. Ellis is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Puzzles of Color: 3 Puzzle Bundle 100 Pieces - Harvest, Concrete Roses, Wapato Woman (social emotional learning, calming corner, connection) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $72.00 1 $72.00
8 Mini Emotion Plush Toys with A Little SPOT of Feelings Hardcover Book Set (fidget toy set, social emotional learning, compassion, calming corner) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $52.00 1 $52.00
Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation • Amazon Business $34.95 1 $34.95
feela 70 Pack Mini Composition Notebook Bulk, Cute Pocket Composition Note Pad, Small Journal Notebooks for Students College School Supplies, 4.5" X 3.25", Narrow Ruled, 5 Marble Covers • Amazon Business $33.14 1 $33.14
Rhythm and Resistance: Teaching Poetry for Social Justice • Amazon Business $24.95 1 $24.95
Browndages: Assorted SKIN TONE Bandages (20 count, latex free adhesive wound care) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $4.00 5 $20.00
100 Women Who Made History: Remarkable Women Who Shaped Our World (DK 100 Things That Made History) • Amazon Business $17.99 1 $17.99
Magnetic Poetry - Revolution Poet Kit - Words for Refrigerator - Write Poems and Letters on The Fridge - Made in The USA • Amazon Business $14.95 1 $14.95
Decorably 15 Black History Posters for Classroom, 11x14in Matte-Laminated Inspirational Social Studies Classroom Decorations • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
65 Feet Diversity Equality Growth Mindset Bulletin Board Borders 4 Design 60 Pcs Bulletin Board Stickers for School Classroom Office Party Decoration • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
204 Short Monologues and Scenes for Kids and Teens: A complete compilation of all four volumes of the "51" series by Dave Kilgore • Amazon Business $9.95 1 $9.95
Geyee 54 Pcs Paper People Cutouts for Crafts Blank Multicultural People Cut Outs for Bulletin Board Boy Girl Person Cardstock for Classroom Teachers Supplies Craft Art Project Home Decoration • Amazon Business $7.99 1 $7.99
People Colors® Crayon Pack • Lakeshore Learning Materials $6.99 1 $6.99

Materials cost

$314.89

Vendor shipping charges

$0.35

Sales tax

$18.89

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.72

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$368.85

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$65.09

Total project goal

$433.94

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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